On CD: Billy Joel - Piano Man: Legacy Edition

Having been born in 1971, I grew up during one of the most turbulent times in  rock 'n roll history: The 70's. The 70's embodied the whole experimental nature of the world at that time. Thoroughly unsatisfied with the status quo, everyone was upping the ante and pushing boundaries. Governments around the world changed policies, car companies had wildly varying offerings, people were experimenting with drugs more than ever, and music became hugely a buffet. That decade saw the birth of punk rock, and disco, and the demise of Motown and ahem... DISCO.

History aside, there was no better time for a Piano Man to hit the scene. Being a New Yorker, and a Long Islander, I got the hear how the local radio stations embraced a talented young local musician, Billy Joel. Billy was a genius because he created rock music on the piano that everyone could identify with and love. So, for the 40th anniversary, the Legacy Edition of Billy's landmark record, PIANO MAN, was recently released.

The version of the Legacy Edition that I got had two CDs. Honestly, I am not sure if they have just a single CD version. If so I would imagine it would be just the digitally remastered version of PIANO MAN. Years ago when the record companies started that trick of digitally remastering everything, I quickly became discouraged to buy them because all they did was convert the analog tapes to digital format, therein exposing the limits of the original recording equipment, and  leaving the listening experience as unsatisfying. However, now in more capable hands the remastering process is a pleasure. Music seems more full and pleasing. That's so with this Legacy Edition. It sounds great. Additionally, disc two is a live recording from a radio station in 1972, which is also a brilliant recording. 

I loved two things about this record,

1. The nostalgic aspect. I remember sitting in the back of my father's '66 Ford Galaxy and hearng The Piano Man come through the speaker as it was played during my childhood.
2. There's nothing cooler than a good live recording. The songs were performed and recorded well. But what's most interesting? Listening to Billy talk to the crowd between songs and hearing his thick Long Island accent, which he no longer has. 

That aside, I would call this a PERFECT CD for the consummate Billy Joel fan, or even teh casual listener. It sounds great, it's well recorded, is't historic, and it's a GREAT RECORD. Oh, and it seems to be very reasonably priced on Amazon.Com. Go for it! You won't regret it!